Kogi State has unveiled an ambitious plan to produce 150,000 metric tonnes of cashew nuts by 2027, positioning itself as Nigeria’s top cashew global supplier.
The initiative, spearheaded by Governor Usman Ododo through the Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion, and Marketing Development Agency (KOCEPA), to scale up production, boost farmers’ incomes, and open international markets.
Chief Consultant of KOCEPA, Dr Jude Osilama, announced the plans in Abuja, describing the project as a turning point for cashew farming in the state.
He revealed that 15 million hybrid cashew seedlings will be planted over the next three years to replace ageing trees, with a target of reaching five million farmers.
According to Osilama, Kogi’s cashew is already recognised globally for premium quality, recording kernel output ratios (KRO) of up to 52, one of the highest in international markets.
He said new reforms will also end the long-standing practice of transporting raw cashew to Ogbomoso for processing.
“For the first time, cashew will be sun-dried in Kogi according to global standards. The days of transporting produce outside the state for drying will end,” Osilama said.
He added that Kogi’s cashew recently gained international recognition at the Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS) Golden Cashew Rendezvous 2025 in Hanoi, reinforcing its global appeal.
Currently, the state produces more than 120,000 metric tonnes annually, sustaining its position as Nigeria’s largest cashew-producing hub.
KOCEPA, established by legislation signed by Governor Ododo, has been mandated to support farmers with funding, training, market access, and export linkages while expanding job creation and state revenue.
“The Ododo administration is revolutionising the cashew industry. KOCEPA is built on a forward-looking policy to expand production, strengthen exports and project Kogi’s agricultural commodities to the world,” Osilama said.
He further disclosed that discussions are at an advanced stage with Vietnamese investors, including Vietnam Machine Company, to establish cashew processing factories in Kogi by early 2026.
The facilities are expected to export processed cashew products directly to markets in the US, Germany, Japan, the UAE, and beyond.
“They have confirmed readiness to install processing plants that will ship finished cashew products directly to global markets,” he said.
Osilama also emphasised that off-take agreements between KOCEPA, the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), and international buyers will allow farmers to earn higher and more stable income.
“By the end of 2026, our farmers will be smiling to the bank as they begin to reap the benefits of these initiatives,” he added.
NCAN President, Dr Ojo Ajanaku, praised Governor Ododo for setting up KOCEPA, describing it as a breakthrough that will reshape agriculture in the state.
“This is one of the best interventions for Kogi’s cashew sector. It will increase output, curb premature harvesting, and safeguard farmer earnings,” Ajanaku said.
He urged other state governments to adopt similar models to drive agricultural growth, create jobs, and expand non-oil exports.
Ajanaku also highlighted that the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and VINACAS will further strengthen local processing, with KOCEPA at the centre of its implementation.
“As long as KOCEPA works with NCAN, we are confident that major challenges in the cashew industry will be solved,” he concluded.
Source: NationOnline
